[Copied] Newer STB's
 

Hi all

My STB has started freezing up loads and the interactive never works. The signal seems fine but the problems still exist.

Im thinking of asking NTL for a new STB because im fedup with this. What are the newer boxes like and will ntl give me one? Does anyone have any info on the newer STB's.


Thanks in advance!

Re: Newer STB's
 

My old Pace STB used to freeze occasionally and drop the Broadband connection at least once a day, plus problems with interactive. Since I got a new Samsung for the recent BB speed increase, I have had ZERO problems. (Mind you, I never use Interactive). Whether NTL will give you one is a different matter. They may try and keep any Samsungs back for the next round of BB speed increases. The Pace boxes apparently won't take more than 1MB, so any upgrade to more than this REQUIRES a Samsung. Worth a try though.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Ok cool, i will root around for some info on the samsung.

However i get my broadband through a modem. Are the samsung boxes for areas where broadband only comes through the STB's ?

Re: Newer STB's
 

One for the NTL people I'm afraid. I know there are two 'platforms' within the NTL network (because of the different cable companies which were taken over at various times), and I THINK the Samsungs are currently only for one of the platforms. I can't remember which is which (except that they are known, for some historical reason, as Langley and Bromley), nor do I know which platform Stafford is on. Hopefully, someone who knows will come along and clarify.

Re: Newer STB's
 

If your BBC1 is channel 101 you are on Langley and will get your broadband through a stand alone cable modem.

If it's on channel 1 you will be on Bromley and could get it either through the STB or the modem.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Are the Samsungs Bromley only, at the moment?

Re: Newer STB's
 

They are available in some regions (Belfast and a few others) for Langley.

Before anyone asks there is no way to get one specifically. If you are getting a new install or a swapped box for a fault then it depends what the tech has in the van at the time.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Stafford is Langley, though Stoke On Trent is Bromley.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Thats right, Stoke is ex-cable and wireless networks and they get their broadband through their STB. Therefore, samsungs that offer > 1Mbit connections make sense to put them onto the ex-cable/wirless networks as they need to handle a decent broadband connection up to 1.5Mbits, soon to be 3Mbits.

That cleared that one up. I'll just hope for a decent box next time round.


Thanks for the super fast responses :D

Re: Newer STB's
 

If you upgrade to > 1Mbit (can you go back down after a month?), then they will have to put you on a Samsung, or a SACM for the broadband.

Re: Newer STB's
 

nottingham are fitting samsung boxes

Re: Newer STB's
 

I think Langley have always used SACMs not sure though. I know Bromley have Samsung boxes.

Re: Newer STB's
 

I am in an ex Cable & Wireless/ Nynex area. Do you happen to know if NTL will be replacing the existing Pace STBs with the newer Samsung versions please?

Re: Newer STB's
 

They will if you are on the 750k or 1.5Mb service as the Pace boxes cant handle above 1Mb I believe.

I wonder if its worth booking an engineer appointment now, as I expect there will be a backlog come the release and I want my 2Mb :D

Ive always been pretty impressed with the Service levels with both TV and Broadband in Stoke, I have a mate in Stafford who reckons his service is not so good. I also know someone in Brum not recieving a good service from Telewest! Goes to show the differences.

Re: Newer STB's
 

Thanks for that. I'm currently on the 750K service. Is it the case that NTL have an automatic STB replacement programme in place or is it that they will replace the box if you upgrade or request a change of box and pay the callout fee?